Infection Preventionist

South Shore Health•Weymouth, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting health-care infections. The IP collaborates with teams and individuals to create infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and sustain infection prevention strategies.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science or related science
BSN, MSN preferred with 5 years of clinical experience
Current license in MA
Completion of basic training program for infection prevention/control that may include on the job training.
Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology or, attainment within 2.5 years after employment
Analytical Problem Solving
Collaboration
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines
Conflict resolution
Program and project management
Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation
Leadership
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of pertinent computer software (EPIC preferred)
RN-Registered Nurse - Board of Registration in Nursing (Massachusetts)

Nice To Haves

BSN, MSN preferred

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program
Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data
Utilizes epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations
Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary
Assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols.
Communicate infection prevention and control information and data to various committees and healthcare workers across the organization as assigned
Assess and address learning needs of those served
Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology
Work with CPDS team to create education plans based on the learning needs assessment
Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes
Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels
Facilitate and assist in auditing for compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
Stay current on infection prevention/control regulatory and accreditation standards
Utilize QM methodology as a means of enacting change
Monitor, audit and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability
Participate in QM committees, teams and initiatives as indicated
Review Employee Health policies and procedures related to IPC
Assess risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease
Understand work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure
Pursue professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills
Maintain certification and licensure requirements
Establish at least one professional goal per year
Advocate for patient safety, health care worker safety, and safe practices
Participate in an infection prevention and control professional organization/association (APIC)
Consult and collaborate, as needed with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations
Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure all stakeholder groups vet changes
Utilize principles of influence, leadership and change management
Bring enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to practice
Work collaboratively with others, providing direction when necessary
Readily share knowledge and expertise
Contribute to the development of less-experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship
Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations
Evaluate (critically) research and evidence-based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice
Integrate evidence-based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols and educational strategies
Identify barriers for implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers
Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback
Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology
Collaborate with IT to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives
Consider the financial/safety implication and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures
Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy
Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports